Speaking of Independence and freedom, Uranus represents the freedom urge. It is the planet of individualism, originality, awakening, sudden change and breaking with tradition. Due to its distance from the Sun, Uranus stays in a sign for approximately seven years. Because it appears in the same sign for so many people, its house position is more important in describing attitudes and traits than its sign position.

Uranus has been in the sign of Aries since May 29, 2010 and will be there until March 7, 2019. The keyword for Uranus in Aries is impetuous. While Uranus transits Aries, we become more pioneering and willful with an intention to break clean from the past. Assertiveness can be demonstrated as hostility with a “do as I please” approach. This time must be used harmoniously so our inventiveness is channeled for constructive uses.

With Uranus retrograde, the nature of individuals is highly unpredictable and arrogant. Tension brings unexpected actions and reversals. It is explosive, with sudden, uncontrollable changes; free-wheeling, furious resentments, unfeeling and weird; eccentricity.

Retrograde Uranus has to do with irresponsibility. Extremes can create extraordinary accidents.

It gives mysterious aspirations and subconscious forces, an obstinate and restless nature and changeability of character. Uranus retrograde is unpredictable, impractical, and group-oriented; therefore, we have to be careful of who we follow.

Uranus’ influence is the epitome of “expect the unexpected.” Regardless of the direction of Uranus’ transit, we must navigate the sudden changes that get thrown at us. Some of us thrive on routine and consistency, and when Uranus has game, we feel like we’re thrown into a proverbial blender. The sudden changes are actually subdued somewhat while Uranus’ transit is retrograde.

The period of Uranus retrograde allows us chance to think a little about our reaction to changes. It also gives us a chance to rethink and organize our need for change. Many groups formed while Uranus is direct, actually find more structure and organization after Uranus has begun retrograde motion. My advice during this time: think moderately and don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Nick Newmont, a licensed hypnotherapist and astrologer, runs The Newmont Center for Balanced Living in Agoura Hills. For more information, go to newmerology.net.